We have had an incredible wet summer this year in Colorado far exceeding our normal amounts of rainfall in most of the State.
June through September are the months when mosquitos are most active in the Rocky Mountain Region. Lately, with standing water, it is hard to venture outside for only a few minutes and avoid the swarms of mosquitos.
Most mosquitos are searching for their fresh bloody meals in the late afternoon and early evening. They rest during the daytime in cool places and come out for a hearty dinner of our blood just before nightfall.
Weather permitting, you should wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes. Mosquitos can bite through thin clothing but have difficulty biting through blue jeans and sweatshirts.
Insect repellants containing 10% to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) should be used when you are outside for any prolonged duration.
Make sure your backyard is not a breeding ground for mosquitos by:
Emptying all water holding containers in the backyard including bird baths
Keep the grass mowed short.
Keep the gutters cleaned out of all debris.
Cut back dense vegetation where mosquitos can hide out during the day.
Burn Citronella candles in the evening hours if you are going to be outdoors. Of course, you should never leave an open flame unattended.
Keep the grass mowed short.
Keep the gutters cleaned out of all debris.
Cut back dense vegetation where mosquitos can hide out during the day.
Burn Citronella candles in the evening hours if you are going to be outdoors. Of course, you should never leave an open flame unattended.
These are just a few things you can do to reduce the mosquito population in your area.
Remember – mosquitos can cause West Nile Virus. Symptoms typicall do not occur until 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. 20% of those infected with West Nile Virus will suffer a debilitating illness. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, head and body aches, rash and swollen lymph nodes. Extreme symptoms include loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and may sometimes lead to death.
Stay healthy and prevent this from happening to you and your loved ones.
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